The Colorado Springs Reform Jewish Congregation

Dear Friends,*

Services at Temple Beit Torah on Friday, Nov. 9 were sensational. If you were there you understand. If you weren’t there, here are some of the amazing things that happened during and after worship.

Our own Rabbi Steve Kaye was interviewed by KOAA TV here in the springs. He shared some of his experiences in Pittsburgh after being deployed by the Red Cross. Here is a link to the interview. I know you’ll find it as fascinating as I did. https://youtu.be/AAWuJ9ICWjc

Services began with a lighting of 11 candles, one for each victim of the Tree of Life Synagogue massacre. Eleven TBT members talked about each victim and it really personalized the murders making us feel as if we had lost a friend or relative and not just a random name.

Another wonderful occurrence was the visit of quite a few congregants from the High Plains Church Unitarian Universalist. Such very nice people and brought the entire oneg. It was a wonderful feast and enjoyable fellowship.

The fourth wonderful surprise was a letter from the El Pomar Foundation. In it the El Pomar Foundation trustees and staff share their abhorrence to the violence at the Tree of Life Synagogue. They want to show support against hate. Their hope is that our democratic society will strive for civil and civic discourse. As a symbol of support they gave a generous donation to use as we see fit. We are honored that they reached out to us at this difficult time.

I hope to see you at our next Friday night services. Perhaps the wonderful surprises will continue. You won’t know unless you’re there.

B’Shalom,

Jeff Ader, President Temple Beit Torah

*The original letter was sent to the membership. Parts of this letter are paraphrased from the original.